In his revelation, Hermes is shown the story of humanity’s creation and its subsequent fall into matter. This account reveals that humans were originally created in the image of the Divine, possessing both a spiritual nature, connected to the divine mind, and a material aspect, tied to the physical elements of the cosmos. The first humans, endowed with the divine spark, were intended to reflect the unity of the Divine, and were, in their original form, androgynous, embodying the wholeness and balance of creation.
However, as the material world developed, humanity became increasingly fascinated by the physical realm, leading to a fall into matter, a state of forgetfulness of their divine origin. This attachment to the material world resulted in a separation from their spiritual nature and introduced spiritual ignorance, which Poimandres describes as a “fall” into mortality and suffering. The descent into the material world marked the beginning of humanity’s struggle between its divine essence and its attachment to the physical plane.
Humanity’s Divine Origin – The Spiritual and Material Nature
According to the vision, humanity was created to be a reflection of the Divine Mind, possessing both spiritual and material aspects. In their original state, the first humans were androgynous, symbolizing their connection to the unity of the Divine. This wholeness represents the perfect balance between the spiritual and material realms, a state of equilibrium where the soul is fully aligned with its divine source.
The Divine Spark in Humanity
The divine spark within humanity represents the spiritual essence that connects individuals to the Divine Mind. This spark is the source of wisdom and understanding, enabling humans to transcend the limitations of the physical world and access the higher realms of gnosis. In Hermetic thought, this divine spark is the key to spiritual awakening, as it provides the connection to the higher consciousness and divine will.
The original humans, before their fall, had the potential for great wisdom and spiritual development. Their androgynous nature reflected the unity of the Divine, symbolizing that they existed beyond the dualities of male and female, light and dark, spirit and matter. In this state of unity, they were free from the limitations of the physical world, existing in harmony with the cosmic order.
The Fall into Matter – Humanity’s Descent into Mortality
As humanity became increasingly fascinated by the material world, they began to forget their divine origin. This attachment to the physical realm led to the fall into matter, where humans became entangled in the limitations of the material world. This fall represents the loss of spiritual knowledge and the descent into ignorance and mortality.
The Consequences of the Fall
The fall into matter brought with it a range of consequences for humanity. As individuals became more attached to the physical plane, they began to experience suffering, limitation, and mortality. The duality between their spiritual nature and their material attachment became a source of inner conflict, as they struggled to reconcile their divine essence with the limitations of the material world.
In Hermetic philosophy, this fall is not viewed as a punishment, but as a natural consequence of becoming too focused on the material realm. The more humans became entrenched in the physical world, the more they forgot their true divine nature. This forgetfulness is described as spiritual ignorance, where the soul loses sight of its connection to the Divine and becomes trapped in the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth.
The Struggle Between the Divine and Material Natures
The fall into matter initiated a struggle within humanity, as individuals found themselves torn between their divine nature and their attachment to the material world. This struggle represents the ongoing duality that defines human existence, between light and darkness, spirit and matter, wisdom and ignorance.
The Duality of Human Existence
In Hermetic thought, this duality is seen as the central challenge of human life. The divine spark within each individual calls them toward spiritual awakening, urging them to transcend the limitations of the material world. However, the physical body and its attachments to sensory experience pull the individual back into the realm of matter, creating an ongoing inner conflict.
This struggle is the basis for the Hermetic path, the journey toward spiritual ascent involves overcoming this attachment to the physical plane and reawakening to the divine nature within. The Hermetic seeker must strive to transcend duality and reunite with the divine mind, aligning themselves with the cosmic order and the laws of harmony.
The Androgynous Nature of the First Humans
The androgynous nature of the first humans is significant in Hermetic philosophy because it symbolizes the unity and wholeness of the Divine. In their original state, humans were unified beings, reflecting the perfect balance of masculine and feminine, spirit and matter. This unity was a reflection of their divine origin, as they existed in a state of harmony with the cosmic order.
The Loss of Unity
As humans fell into the material world, they lost this sense of unity and became subject to the duality of the physical realm. The androgynous state was replaced by the division between male and female, and the once-unified human nature became fragmented. This loss of wholeness is symbolic of the larger fall into duality, where humans became separated from their divine nature and trapped in the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth.
In Hermetic thought, the journey toward spiritual awakening involves reclaiming this lost unity, transcending the duality of the physical world, and reconnecting with the divine mind. By aligning with the divine order, individuals can overcome the limitations of the material realm and rediscover their wholeness as reflections of the Divine Mind.
The Call to Overcome the Fall
Poimandres’ revelation to Hermes is not one of despair, but of hope and redemption. While humanity has fallen into matter and spiritual ignorance, the divine spark remains within each person, offering the potential for awakening and ascension. The path to gnosis, the direct knowledge of the Divine—is the process of overcoming the attachment to the material world and reawakening to the divine mind.
Reclaiming the Divine Nature
For the Hermetic seeker, the journey toward spiritual awakening involves reclaiming the divine nature that has been obscured by the fall into matter. By cultivating inner wisdom, practicing spiritual disciplines, and aligning with the cosmic order, individuals can transcend the limitations of the physical world and reconnect with their divine source.
This process is described as a return to unity, where the individual soul becomes aware of its connection to the Divine and experiences the wholeness that was lost in the fall. The journey from ignorance to illumination is a spiritual ascent, where the divine spark within is rekindled, allowing the individual to transcend the duality of the material world and reunite with the Divine Mind.
Conclusion: The Path to Gnosis After the Fall
The birth of humanity and the fall into matter represent a profound aspect of the Hermetic worldview. While humanity has descended into spiritual ignorance, the divine spark remains within, offering the potential for awakening and reunion with the Divine Mind. The path to gnosis involves overcoming the attachment to the material world, reclaiming the divine nature, and ascending toward unity with the Divine.
For the Hermetic seeker, the journey is one of transcendence, where the soul moves from the limitations of the material world to the freedom of spiritual awakening. The vision of Poimandres serves as a reminder that, despite the fall, spiritual knowledge and illumination are always within reach.